WASHINGTON- The speaker of Iraq's parliament warned on Friday that upcoming elections might be used to further marginalize already-frustrated Sunni Muslims, who have chafed against what they call unfair treatment from the country's Shi'ite prime minister.

Usama al-Nujaifi, a Sunni, said in an interview during a visit to Washington that he feared attempts to discourage voting or "provoke the situation" in Sunni areas, or to sideline certain would-be candidates, were designed "to weaken Sunni representation in parliament."

He also warned that poor security could pose problems for the parliamentary polls, scheduled for April 30.

"If the security conditions worsen, the elections could be postponed (or) if they are held, they will take place under inappropriate conditions," he said.